Pursuant to the policies of Oklahoma City University, all undergraduate students are required to reside on campus for a duration of three (3) academic years or until reaching Senior standing. Additionally, campus residents are required to participate in on-campus dining services by enrolling in a meal plan.
Requests for exemption from the residency mandate must be formally submitted in writing to the Office of Residence Life using the Housing Exemption Request form. Subject to comprehensive review and approval, a student may be considered for exemption from the residency requirement if meeting any of the following criteria:
- Years of Residency:
- The student has previously completed three (3) years of full-time college enrollment at an accredited institution of higher education; alternatively, the student has attained Senior standing (90 earned credit hours). Please note that credits transferred in from AP credits or dual enrollment credits during high school will not contribute to the credit hour total for the residency requirement.
- Age Limit:
- The student reaches 22 years old on or before the first day of classes for the academic year's fall term.
- University Sponsored Fraternity House:
- With prior approval from the Dean of Students or their designee, a student may be considered to reside in one of the university approved fraternity houses. Approval must be received prior to relocation.
- Military Status:
- An active-duty military service member may submit their official military orders (DD214) to seek approval for off-campus living.
- Marriage:
- A married student can be approved to live off campus by providing a copy of the court-certified marriage certificate.
- Parent/Guardianship:
- The student is or becomes the biological parent or legal guardian of a dependent child.
- University Program:
- The student participates in student teaching, academic internship, or a special University program that requires residing outside of a 30-mile radius of Oklahoma City University’s campus.
- Graduation:
- The student graduates or experiences formal termination of matriculation at Oklahoma City University.
- Commuter Status:
- The primary residence is that of parent(s) or legal guardian(s), located within 30 miles of Oklahoma City University. Note: Commuter exemptions are NOT granted to students wishing to reside with any other relatives or acquaintances. In the event that the student moves from the parent(s)/guardian(s) address, the student must notify University Housing.
- Parents/Guardians may be contacted to verify residency. Additionally, two forms of supporting documentation must be submitted. If the student does not reside at their home address during this time, they are required to reside in university housing.
- Required Supporting Documentation: A copy of two different supporting documents of residency, including parental information with the submitted address. Accepted documentation includes copies of a utility bill, rental/mortgage contract, current bank statement, current paycheck/paystub, or a W2, which must be provided to University Housing for consideration.
**Note: If a housing contract has been signed, an approved residency exemption form does not cancel out an active housing contract. It exempts the student from the housing residency requirement once the current contract ends. **
Any student can apply for a residency exemption for any of the reasons listed above. To apply, please to the Housing Management System by following the steps below:
Please go to the Housing Management System found HERE.
Click “Log in” in the top right-hand corner
Click on “student login” at the bottom of the page and use your BlueLink email address and password to log in.
Once you are logged in, you will see the “Residency Requirement Exemption Request” form at the top of the page or on the drop-down menu.
Once in the form, please read through each page on the reasons behind the requirements and requirements for each exemption category.
On page 3, you will check the box for the category you are applying for exemption under and upload the supporting documentation as listed on the previous page.
Once the supporting documentation is attached, please sign the document using your student B#.
Once a student submits a Residency Request Exemption Request form, a Housing and Residence Life staff member is notified and will review the request and documentation within 14 business days. The staff member will notify the student of the decision to their OCU email address. If the student is denied, the rationale will be provided. Each student has the opportunity to reapply with new information and documentation.
